Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
God purchased the church with his own blood. Sin is not easily paid for. It takes blood to atone for sin. Jesus Christ, the Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6), shed his blood so that those who would believe would have the redemption price paid for them.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
With this fact in mind, Paul exhorted the Ephesian elders to take heed unto themselves and to all the flock. It is important for a pastor to pay attention to his life. He is made an overseer by the Holy Ghost. This is a calling and it is important. An elder is to show himself a pattern of good works and to lead by example.
Titus 2:7-8 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
He is a shepherd for the flock. The word in Acts 20:28 translated ‘feed’ is the verb form of the word that is translated ‘pastor’ in other places. To feed the church is to shepherd or pastor the flock. This is the elders’ responsibility. Peter was given this responsibility by Jesus on the shores of Galilee (John 21:15-17). The church is like a flock and the pastors are shepherds for the sheep. Biblical elders are important. This office should be taken seriously. To feed the church of God means to regularly serve up a diet of the Holy Bible. Preaching should come from the Bible and should be food for the church. One shepherd told another:
2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Who are your elders? Do you pray for them? Do you listen to the Word of God when they preach? They love you and want the very best for your walk of following Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
